Harford County Health Department to Hold Free Public Naloxone Training

In response to Harford County’s opiate/heroin epidemic, the Harford County Health Department will offer free training in the administration of naloxone (also branded under the name, NARCAN), a potentially life-saving medication. The opportunity is extended to any family member or loved one of an opiate user, as well as to any interested community member. Any and all adults age 18 and over are welcomed.

The program, to be held on July 20th from 6:00PM to 7:00PM pm in Suite 300 at the Health Department’s 120 Hays Street offices in Bel Air, includes hands-on training and certification in recognizing and responding to opioid overdose with naloxone. In addition to the training, participants will receive NARCAN kits at no cost.

According to Dr. Julie Stancliff, D.O., Medical Director for the Harford County Health Department Behavioral Health Services Division, “Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids (also sometimes referred to as narcotics), including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. Naloxone training and certification program enables the certificate holder to access prescription naloxone, as well as carry and administer the medication and is being conducted in conjunction with the Maryland Overdose Response Program (ORP).”

In addition to Naloxone Certification Training, the Division of Behavioral Health Services provides comprehensive substance abuse and mental health services including assessment, screening, individual and group counseling, intensive out-patient treatment for SUD, medication management, referral and continuing care services, family education and support, and Likewise, the Behavioral Health Division offers a Suboxone detoxification program and Vivitrol medication at their health department location and refers individuals for inpatient treatment and/or detoxification programs as appropriate, based on clinical evaluation and criteria.

To register for the Naloxone training program or to obtain more information about the program or to get answers about other aspects of opiate addiction, the public may contact the Harford County Health Department Behavioral Health Services Division at 410-877-2340.

Yes, you can get sued for anything. However, you may or may not win a defense based upon the situation and strategy of defense. More than likely, unless there is something stated in the training course that you must attempt to provide aid and you signed it, you will not incur a bill for damages. In retrospect, would you be able to sleep at night knowing you were partially to blame for a person’s demise, regardless of the result of a lawsuit? That is the true question you would have to ponder and most people would feel uneasy about that situation. It doesn’t matter what a judge or jury says if your conscience will not allow you to bare your actions…..

Thanks for the input. I believe I will forgo the certification and leave this issue in the capable hands of our first responders. If I encounter an overdose situation I’ll just call 911 and report the circumstances.